South of the border, down Mexico way, promoter Gary Shaw has found boxing’s next big Olé!  Shaw announced today the signing of the much sought after ANTONIO “EL CUBANO” IZQUIERDO, 27, a former Cuban amateur sensation and current lightweight contender, to an exclusive promotional agreement with Gary Shaw Productions. Izquierdo, (21-0-1, 18 KOs) quickly confirmed Shaw’s eye for boxing talent, defeating Jonathan Nelson (TKO 1) tonight on the undercard of the Rafael Marquez/Juan Manuel Marquez world title doubleheader at the MontBleu Casino Resort & Spa in Stateline, NV.

 

As an amateur, Izquierdo compiled an amazing record of 380-8, with all his losses coming by decision by a TOTAL of EIGHT POINTS!  He began boxing at the age of 10 and was recruited by the Cuban National Boxing Team as a teenager winning numerous international tournaments from 1995-2002 against national and international stars, including Daniel Regalado, Neslan Machado, Diógenes Luna, Mario Kindelán, and Estenio Gutiérrez.  After defecting to Mexico, where he has filed for citizenship, he turned professional.

 

Trained and recruited by Eduardo Morera, Izquierdo, also works with Jose Napoles, the legendary two-time world welterweight champion who held the title for a total of six years during his two reigns.  Napoles has taken Izquierdo under wing because he too was a Cuban expatriate who defected to Mexico to pursue his professional boxing career.

 

“I am very proud to be able to present Antonio’s talents on the world stage” said Shaw.  “Like Jose Napoles, Antonio will be the pride of Cuban and Mexican fans every time he enters the ring.  His punches are explosive and his poise is tremendous.  I look forward to having him fight for his first of many world titles by the end of next year.”